Galloway Twp., NJ, Man Guilty — Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that a Galloway Township, New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.

The plea deal calls for:

recommended sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison.
mandatory term of parole ineligibility of 42 months pursuant to the Graves Act.

John Thompson, III

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office photo.

On Thursday, July 30, 2026, John Thompson, III, 36 years old from Galloway Township, New Jersey, is the latest plea agreement achieved by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Has Released The Following Information About This Case

On June 30, 2025, Galloway Township police officers, while investigating an unrelated matter, heard several gunshots around 620S. Simms Avenue. An injured male with a gunshot wound was located by officers nearby. While investigating for any additional victims, officers came upon the defendant's home and tried to contact any occupants inside. After receiving no response from inside the home, officers contacted Thompson by phone to request entry into the home and access to his outside camera to assist with their investigation. Thompson denied these requests, said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

The Story Continues … The Details Are So Sprcific, That We Don’t Want To Paraphrase

Afterwards, officers were granted lawful search warrants of the residence and camera system to aid in the case. A shotgun was located within the home by officers while executing the search warrant. Then while reviewing the video footage from the defendant's outdoor camera, officers observed the defendant on video with a shotgun in his possession. The defendant testified in court that this shotgun was the same one found in the home, and that he picked up the shotgun that night to use against someone outside his home. Officers also observed the defendant pursuing the same injured male found earlier on the lawn and then off camera, while the defendant had this shotgun, said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sentencing

Will take place on September 8, 2026. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office was successful in petitioning for the defendant to remain in prison pending sentencing.

The ACPO also confirmed that “John Thompson, Ill was not permitted to own or purchase any firearms in New Jersey or any other State.”